What action does Oedipus consider after hearing the messenger's news about his father?

After receiving the messenger's news about his father, Oedipus is driven by a strong determination to seek out his mother. This desire stems from the realization that despite believing he has escaped his fate regarding his father's death, he now must confront the knowledge of his parentage. The messenger reveals that Polybus, whom Oedipus thought was his biological father, has died, leading Oedipus to the conclusion that he has been mistaken about the threats in the prophecy regarding his family. Consequently, his focus shifts towards uncovering the truth about his mother's identity and situation, as this knowledge is essential for him to fully understand the implications of his past actions.

The other options—abdicating the throne, refusing to return to Thebes, and challenging the gods—do not align with Oedipus's immediate response to the news. Instead, his priority in this moment is to confront and investigate his relationship with his mother, symbolizing his quest for truth and his inevitable confrontation with fate.